If the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Honda Civic Si are too laid again for you, Hyundai has the reply for an inexpensive but gloriously entertaining compact efficiency sedan. It is boisterous in appears to be like and on the subject of efficiency, with specs that place it above each its German and Japanese rivals. If you will get previous the ugly nostril of the Elantra N, $32,900 will get you a sedan that carves corners and assaults straights with gusto whereas additionally having the ability to carry out each day duties comfortably and seating 5 folks in a stunning cabin. A 276-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers it, it will get an exhaust that treads the road between loud and obnoxious, and comes with one thing that is turning into a rarity at any worth lately – a handbook transmission.
For these on the lookout for an entry-level fanatic automobile however do not wish to roll the cube on a used automobile that is possible been pushed exhausting or messed round with modifications, the Elantra N appears to be like like a tough automobile to beat. We spent every week with it to seek out out.
Exterior: An Ugly Nostril
Hyundai has been doing nice work with exterior styling all through its vary, however this author is not certain the Elantra – in any of its variations – is an instance of that. For those who can dwell with the gaping grille, the efficiency Elantra has some N-specific trim and upgrades elsewhere which are barely much less divisive, together with N badging, crimson accent strains, an understated wing-type spoiler, and N diffuser. It additionally rides on 19-inch alloys clad with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer season tires – which is a severe tire, and an enormous clue to how targeted Hyundai is on grip and dealing with right here.
For the remainder of the automobile that is not the nostril, the Elantra’s crisp strains and easy general form go well with the efficiency remedy. The rear reveals off up to date styling with a putting taillight design.
Inside: Stable – However Constructed To Worth
The Elantra N comes loaded with options you will not discover on an Elantra base mannequin. This consists of N Gentle Sport bucket seats with an illuminated N brand and leather-based and microsuede upholstery, and aluminum-alloy sport pedals. The seats are long-haul comfy and do an ideal job of holding a entrance passenger in place as issues heat up on an extended, winding highway. Nonetheless, they don’t seem to be power-adjustable. Within the again, there’s the identical legroom as within the common Elantra, which is sufficient for youths to go from toddlers to tall adults.
An N leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel and heated entrance seats are commonplace, which works an extended approach to making the cabin really feel premium.
Infotainment: Absolutely Loaded
Infotainment is taken care of via a ten.25-inch touchscreen show matched with a ten.25-inch digital show for the driving force with N Efficiency gauges. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are commonplace in all Elantras, however the N will get a Hyundai Digital Key to lock, unlock, and begin the automobile remotely, in addition to wi-fi machine charging. SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio and navigation are additionally included, together with an N-specific part on the show for issues like lap timers and extra efficiency gauges.
An eight-speaker Bose sound system can be included, however it’s sometimes Bose with wooly bass, unexciting mids, and overly vibrant treble. We want Hyundai would go along with a distinct model for its upgraded sound techniques, as it isn’t that a lot of an enchancment over the bottom system on the common Elantra, which solely has 4 or six audio system, relying on the trim.
Drivetrain: Not Too A lot, Not Too Little.
The Elantra N’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, which is not spectacular when put up towards far more costly vehicles. However towards rivals in an analogous worth bracket, it is ample. Peak torque is out there between 2,100 and 4,700 rpm; it is a spicy little engine that rewards aggressive driving.
These specs are sufficient for a five-second dash to 60 mph with the dual-clutch transmission fitted, which additionally provides it one other 10 hp in a brief burst for the aim of launching off the road. That is courtesy of the DCT model’s N Grin Shift (NGS) perform – we totally loved the DCT after we first drove the Elantra N at Sonoma Raceway.
Our week-long tester arrived with the handbook transmission, which is three-tenths slower to 6- mph, and whereas it is a satisfying shifter, it isn’t fairly within the league of greats. It does not shift with the precision notching of the Honda Civic Si, and the clutch will annoy those that like one thing heavy to pound on with their left foot. That does not make it unhealthy, however we’re undecided it is going to fulfill the extra hardcore fans.
On The Highway: Enjoyable, Enjoyable, Enjoyable.
Round city, the Elantra N’s journey is enjoyable, and it feels and drives just like the amped-up Elantra it’s. Nonetheless, it may be pushed with docility when the in-laws are visiting, and also you’re taking part in taxi driver. What you are possible extra excited by is the way it behaves while you put your foot down and hit your favourite highway.
That is when the Elantra N turns into probably the most entertaining methods to spend round $32,000. Aurally, the exhaust is the sort of factor tuners chase when it comes to sound for that stability between a loud, satisfying tone and never being so obnoxious that the neighbors immediately hate them.
The ability is there while you need it, and it rewards the artwork of carrying momentum via corners. Maintaining that momentum is aided by some terrific suspension tuning, a limited-slip diff, and people Pilot 4 tires. However not like a number of different efficiency vehicles we have pushed recently, it does not do all of the be just right for you. The steering is pleased to present suggestions on what the tires are doing, which you need when popping out of a nook and torque steer begins to threaten. The diff does an ideal job of de-weaponizing the torque steer, however below exhausting acceleration, it is going to begin pulling the steering wheel round.
Hyundai leans into the Elantra N’s corner-carving capability in its promotion, and rightly so. The chassis is taut but predictable and enjoys altering route with out whipping driver and passenger round. On the identical time, the suspension is stiff, however it’s compliant sufficient when set softer in order to not annoy these in-laws throughout taxi obligation.
Is The Elantra N A Nice Efficiency Automotive?
The quick reply to that query comes with a caveat. The Elantra N is a improbable efficiency automobile that you’d have to spend one other ten grand or so to beat. As somebody’s first efficiency automobile, we could not consider one thing higher to advocate: It outpaces the Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI when it comes to enjoyable and efficiency, however there are totally different values at play with the Elantra N. The Si’s handbook transmission is a lot better, however each the VW and Honda look higher and dial up the consolation whereas dialing down the enjoyable.
The Elantra N is a riot to kick round a again highway whereas delivering options and a consolation stage the Elantra already provides, however it does not fairly present the refinement of its friends. We’ll take the grins over the additional refinement, although.